As parents, stomach we observe first-hand how children absorb what is seen and said around them. Children form their own opinions, site discover individual likes and dislikes, viagra 60mg and unearth strengths (and weaknesses), but they are still influenced by their surroundings and the people who matter most in that time of their lives.

Does your child react the same way you do when you get frustrated—with a sigh and a stomp? Or does your child see how kindly you interact with strangers in the post office or grocery store and offer compassionate words as well?

How about your family’s exercise habits? Children are naturally active (how often does an able-bodied two-year-old sit still??) and find joy in movement.

But, by high school age, physically active time drops dramatically.

How can we foster active lives in our children?

Create an Active Environment

Generate opportunities for activity. Allow for some downtown in the homeschool day for free play, outside or inside. Create activity cards for kids to pick out active ideas. Leave some (safe and reasonable) fitness equipment within reach of your children. Longer bouts of exercise offer substantial cardiovascular and muscular benefits, but small bursts of activity help, too.

Model Enjoyable, Active Habits and Participate Together

When you want your children to learn to love reading, you read with them and let them see you enjoying reading. Activity is similar. When you want your children to remain active for healthy hearts and bodies, play with them and let them see you enjoying fitness.

Create a Family Exercise Plan

Creating a plan does not mean activity becomes boring work rather than exciting. Does a planned playdate become a dull, tedious event? Planning offers practice for a new activity to transform into a habit.

Take a simple calendar (or on your family calendar) and plan at least three days of activity with a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Ask your children for their suggestions for the month (or week). Or offer several choices and allow each child a selection each week or two. Refer to these activity times as family dates. You can choose activities with variable amounts of equipment and planning. Your activity could be a planned fitness routine with hand weights and an exercise DVD or a group game outside. Write those activities down and stick to it just like you do with your curriculum. Schedule fitness sessions in between core subject times or early mornings or evenings—whenever works best for your group! (Check out a free printable to help you create family fitness goals here!)

Most of all, keep your hearts pumping, muscles working, and laughter abundant!

Additional resource: Kids in Motion article at the American Council on Exercise

What does your family do for activity together? What difficulties do you encounter when trying to participate in activity together?